The lowdown on highchairs Types of highchairs What to look for when buying Important safety notes The lowdown on highchairsWhen you’re starting solid food (and once your baby can sit up by himself), a highchair gives your child a safe place to experiment with tastes and textures. It also makes it easy for you to supervise meals – and clean up afterward.Highchairs come in a wide variety of styles and prices. Choose one that's sturdy and easy to clean; it needs to be durable enough to withstand several years of daily use. Your child may use a highchair until age 2 or 3.Basic highchairs will do the job, but some high-end models hold up better to wear and tear, and can be more useful in the long run.See which highchairs parents like best in BabyCenter’s Moms' Picks awards, or browse dozens of highchairs.Types of highchairsBasic metal- or plastic-frame highchairsThese models are fairly simple. Some are just molded plastic with harnesses; others have a bit of padding on the seat. Some have trays, others don't.
Pros: They're usually inexpensive and lightweight. Some fold, making them easy to move and store. Cons: They typically offer less comfort for a baby than other kinds, can have tough-to-clean nooks.Full-feature highchairsThese have all the features of basic models plus extras like well-padded seats, wheels, detachable trays, dishwasher-safe tray covers, and adjustable height and seat recline. Some models grow with your child, converting to a booster seat or or kid-sized chair.Portable and hook-on highchairsInstead of a freestanding highchair, some families choose a seat that attaches to the table or that straps on to a regular kitchen or dining-room chair. These hook-on chairs can free up space in tight quarters and tend to cost less than standard highchairs. And since they’re portable they’re useful for restaurants, Grandma’s house, and travel. On the downside, many hook-on chairs don’t work on every table, particularly if yours is extra-thick or thin or has a lip.Wooden highchairsWooden highchairs can be very appealing but may have drawbacks.
Often the seat is too deep and the footrest too low for an infant. And wooden trays are heavier and harder to clean than plastic. Still, they may have fewer crevices that can trap crumbs and spills, and some models convert to regular chairs as your child grows.What to look for when buyingImportant safety notesChildren can be badly injured by falling out of a highchair, so always supervise your child and keep the safety harness buckled. Follow the manufacturer's recommended weight and age limits if given.Hundreds of thousands of highchairs have been recalled in recent years for a variety of safety problems, including pegs that stuck out and caused lacerations, safety belts that came unbuckled, and seats that came loose. Before buying a highchair or using a secondhand one, check our Product Recall Finder.Vintage wooden highchairs are best used for decorative purposes only. Safety standards have changed over the years and though pretty, your heirloom chair may not be safe.What it's going to cost youStandard highchairs start at around $40 and run to about $200, with top-of-the-line models reaching $400 or more.
A hook-on chair or portable highchair costs about $25 to $100. Download our illustrated guide to highchairs2015. High chair buying guide. /cro/high-chairs/buying-guide.htm [Accessed May 2016]Stevenson, J. 2015. How to choose the best full-size high chair. /High-Chair-Reviews/buying-advice [Accessed May 2016]1 1 Facebook PinterestAlexandra Grablewski A Seat that Grows with Your ChildIn this economy, who doesn't love a product that you can use and use and use? Well you're in luck. Most high chairs today come with a transition option. This means the seat can be used as a comfy cradle, in an upright position for first-time feeding, as a toddler booster for independent (or getting there) eaters, as a youth chair that can pull up and under the table, or as a spare seat at the computer desk. Check out these picks if you're in the market for a seat that will suit every stage of your child's life.2 2 Facebook Pinterest Investment Seat: Bloom NanoWhy We Love It: For newborns to 6-month-olds, this seat starts as an off-the-ground cradle -- cool!
More Perks: Microsuede upholstery. Fits up to 79 pounds. 3 3 Facebook Pinterest Investment Seat: Blossom 4-in-1 Seating SystemWhy We Love It: The quick-change seat button means transitioning the chair into its many options is a no-hassle snap.More Perks: Six-position height adjustment. Convertible harness with three and five. 4 4 Facebook Pinterest Investment Seat: Svan BirtchWhy We Love It: Simply remove tray and safety guard to use this seat as a full-size chair at the dinner table.More Perks: Comes in five finishes. Blends in perfectly with the grown-up furniture.5 5 Facebook Pinterest Investment Seat: Svan AnkaWhy We Love It: Specifically crafted so the tray can be removed, the seat lowers and -- you guessed it -- slides perfectly under the dinner table so Baby can break bread, too.More Perks: Ergonomic, adjustable frame. Fits up to 50 pounds. Tray stores on the back of the chair.$179.95; 6 6 Facebook PinterestAlexandra Grablewski Save Some SpaceJust because you have a baby doesn't mean you have to have an obstacle course in your kitchen or dining room.
A bulky high chair that requires lots of room can kill the cook's mood. Say bye-bye to room ruiners and space-eaters with these chairs that easily fold up for quick concealing in the pantry or spare closet (all are ideal for city dwellers with teeny kitchenettes).7 7 Facebook Pinterest Space Saver: AstroWhy We Love It: With the lift of a lever, this high chair falls flat to the floor for no-nonsense assembly (and disassembly).More Perks: Folds flat. Five-point harness keeps Baby locked in. Comes in classic colors (tan, black, white, and cool aqua).$149.99; 8 8 Facebook Pinterest Space Saver: SpolingWhy We Love It: Behind the backrest is a practical storage pocket ideal for bibs or a package of wet wipes.More Perks: Easily removable machine-washable cover. Folds up in three steps. Pulls up to the table so Baby can socialize with the family.$39.99; 9 9 Facebook PinterestFancy Photography/Veer Nix Useless Nooks & Crannies for Quick CleanupThere's nothing worse than a high chair with lots of creases and crevices.
They trap gobs of food and tons of crumbs. And worse, sometimes all of this mess goes undetected -- that is until you smell something funky or the family dog becomes best friends with Baby's high chair. Try these chairs that boast cool, smooth lines and hardly any crumb catchers.Facebook Pinterest Quick Cleanup: Flair Pneumatic PedestalWhy We Love It: The seat is seamless, making cleanup cake! Just wipe it clean with a damp cloth.More Perks: Contemporary design. Glides effortlessly in all directions. Fits under most tables.$176.00; Facebook Pinterest Quick Cleanup: ZumaWhy We Love It: Double seat pads are easily removed to shake out crumbs and boast this bonus: They are machine-washable.More Perks: Eight-position adjustable height, with an easy-to-use telescopic mechanism. for eating, playing, napping. Facebook Pinterest Quick Cleanup: AntilopWhy We Love It: There are zero nooks and crannies here. Spray it down with a mild soapy solution and wipe clean.More Perks: Simple design. Seatbelt included for added safety.